Originally published in paperback back in 1973 to promote
Roger Moore’s first appearance as 007, this is a most-welcome updated edition
that includes a foreword by Sir Roger’s good friend and occasional co-star
David Hedison as well as an afterword by his PA and sometimes co-author, Cinema
Retro’s own Gareth Owen. In reading the book for the first time since its
initial publication, I was Impressed that Eon Productions allowed such candor
from its new star. Moore traces the trials-and tribulations he faced behind the
scenes from stunt mishaps to stomach disorders, strains in personal
relationships and weather-related problems, all of it related in his trademark
style of humor that includes plenty of self-deprecating barbs. The production company must contend with ghastly filming conditions, health issues and racial tensions when black stuntmen are sometimes passed over to employ white men who are then "blacked up" to play African-American characters. Moore also chronicles some occasional tensions with producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli.The book emerges
as a wonderful time capsule not only in Bondian history but also in terms of
relating a warts-and-all, candid look at the making of a major film production.
It’s a pity that Moore didn’t write any other diaries relating to his 007 films
but this one probably bruised a few egos and thus it remained the only such
experiment.(The book contains a photo insert section that includes some shots that will probably be new to even the most ardent Bond fans.)